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After a period of time had elapsed, the duke arrived at the specified location, where he waited patiently.

Brow arched as he scrutinized the box, a slight pensive expression crossing his features. Then, a smile formed upon his lips, and reached out to take the box. "Most gracious. Allow me to prepare this for us both."

"My dear Chief Justice, you have quite lost your composure." he teased, palms now gliding along their back in a soothing gesture.

Lips curled into a soft chuckle as his hands gently squeezed the Iudex's waist. "How can you be certain?— If you're willing to take the risk, then by all means, go ahead. I won't stop you."

"Well you're not wrong, and because you chose to do it in a public setting... where all your subjects will see."

Head tilted slightly to the side as the hands came to rest upon the waist of the Iudex. "You finally did it." he murmured. "I must say I'm impressed."